The third week of the Giro d'Italia begins, the most feared and anticipated third week. It starts with the Piazzola sul Brenta-San Valentino Brentonico, 203 km, a true mountain stage: after the first 50 km which are quite simple, then there are only climbs and descents without any moment of respite.

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After a flat start, after passing Arsiero, you enter the Astico valley where the first climb of the day begins: Carbonare. This is followed by a fast descent to Trento to climb the first half of Monte Bondone. Brief descent and then climb up to Vigo Cavedine. Another short descent and then tackle the Santa Barbara pass from the Arco-Bolognano side with its 13 km at almost 9% (peaks at 14%). Descent to Mori where the final climb of 18.2 km begins, always uphill with two brief interruptions at Brentonico and San Giacomo: in total 18.2 km with an average gradient of 6.4%.

THE TERRITORY. The magnificent Villa Contarini is one of the most imposing examples of a Venetian Villa. Built in the 16th century, probably designed by the young Andrea Palladio, the villa was expanded in the 17th century by Marco Contarini, who made it a place of leisure and culture. The structure is distinguished by its imposing wings, the Palladian loggia with 31 arches and the large square in front, once the scene of lavish celebrations. But the real party takes place on the occasion of the start of the sixteenth stage of the Giro, perhaps enriched by a plate of risi and bisi or one of the many preparations of baccalà.

The race first winds through the provinces of Padua and Vicenza, the chosen territory of the important Footwear Districts of Riviera del Brenta and the Vicenza Goldsmith Art, globally recognized excellences of Made in Italy.

A stop in Thiene to relax in the monumental Chilesotti Square and visit the Castle, which despite its name is a pre-Palladian villa (15th century) that still preserves frescoes and furnishings of great value.

The climb to Carbonare leads to Trentino, which in this stage shows its gentler side. Skirting Lake Caldonazzo and crossing Vigolo Vattaro, located in the center of the Vigolana plateau, you descend to Trento. It takes just a few hours to fall in love with this city, capable of remaining faithful to its history, well synthesized by the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by towers and merloned palaces and with the imposing Neptune fountain at its center.

You climb the slopes of Monte Bondone, without reaching the summit, but crossing Candriai and reaching Terlago. The Castle of the Counts of Terlago (1500) and the Medieval Tower of Braidone are the emblems of the town near which the picturesque (and swimmable) Lake of Terlago is located.

In Vezzano begins the so-called Valley of the Lakes: you pass in order the Lake of Santa Massenza, Lake Toblino (with the sumptuous castle overlooking the water surface) and Cavedine. Along the roadside run the rows from which Nosiola and Vino Santo are born, two of the most renowned wines of Trentino. Then come the extensive olive groves, cradle of the equally celebrated Garda DOP Oil that accompany you to Arco, mecca of mountain biking and sport climbing. Here it is pleasant to capture the atmospheres of the ancient Kurort (spa town), appreciated throughout Europe for its refined mild climate. In particular, the Habsburgs embellished the city with parks, elegant liberty villas and sumptuous buildings. A must is the climb to the Castle, one of the most fascinating medieval fortresses in the entire Alpine arc.

In Brentonico, a stop at Palazzo Eccheli-Balsi is mandatory, surrounded by a botanical garden with many of the 1,655 plants of the Monte Baldo Park. Inside the building is the Fossil Museum that preserves a rich collection of protozoa and fossil crustaceans and documents the life of the post-Triassic period (150-180 million years ago) in what is now the northern area of Monte Baldo.

Then nature fills the eyes until the finish line placed in San Valentino, a place loved by cycling enthusiasts and hikers who start from here for itineraries that cross the "Garden of Europe" to reach the ridges from which grand views of Lake Garda can be enjoyed. To be appreciated while being accompanied by a glass of Marzemino.